by Susan Hall

Created on: April 22, 2008

How to: Qualify for the Boston Marathon

I had dreamed about becoming an Olympic athlete since I took up running in Junior High School in Yuma, Arizona. I was the oldest of five kids with a career Navy father who was gone a lot on "sea duty". He competed with his peers in the one mile, 5k, sit-ups and push-ups. Running was my strategy for getting his attention. The camaraderie with my father turned me into a life long runner. At age forty five, however, I still felt nostalgia for my Olympic aspirations.

In Spring 2003, I got on the computer and created a detailed training and racing strategy. I bought two pairs of Brooks Glycerin's and proceeded to pound out 50-65 miles a week on the treadmill and in the desert around Anthem, Arizona. My mission was to resurrect my dreams and qualify for the Boston Marathon the pinnacle of achievement for compulsive runners like me.

The Race:
The Boston Marathon is the oldest running race in the United States. April 21, 2008 marks the 112th consecutive year. A marathon is 26.2 miles or 26 miles 385 yards to conform to Olympic Standards. The Boston Marathon course is a point-to-point route from Hopkinton to Boston. It's run on the third Monday in April on Patriot's Day, a holiday commemorating the start of the American Revolution. Entry is by time qualification. Qualifying Standards are based on age and sex.

The Training:
Some training programs promise marathon readiness in ninety days. I recommend a minimum of 6 months training with increasingly longer runs over the last 6-8 weeks up to 18-22 miles. The more long runs that you do the better your body acclimates to the distance. My best laid plans include 5-6 runs of 18-22 miles which usually results in at least 3-4. A good source for beginner, intermediate and advanced training schedules is the Runners World website. Track daily mileage with a runner's log that can be purchased at any bookstore. An alternative option is to use an online training log. Marathon training requires preparation and planning unlike a 5k race where you can "fly by the seat of your pants."

It is estimated that for each pound lost a runner gains 2 seconds per mile in speed. Imagine carrying an extra ten pounds of weight as similar to lugging a 10 lb. sack of flour on your back. Don't stress out if you gain weight initially. This is bound to happen as muscle weighs more than fat.

If you plan to run a course with a substantial drop in elevation train on the downhill. Treadmill training is not ideal but in extreme

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